Overview
Australia has an international reputation as a reliable and consistent supplier of high quality, fresh, safe, clean and healthy seafood and aquaculture products.
The greatest international demand is for high quality, high value species such as rock lobster, prawn, abalone and Southern Bluefin tuna. This encompasses the wild catch, aquaculture, processing and, retail sectors.
Combined, Australian fisheries production rose by five per cent in 2004-05 with a gross value of production of $2.05 billion. In the same year Australia’s total exports were valued at $1.54 billion. Of this total, around 80 per cent consisted of edible products such as rock lobster, tuna, abalone and prawns. The remaining 20 per cent was non edible products such as pearls, fish meal and marine fats and oils.
In regards to export markets, Japan and Hong Kong remain the biggest market for Australian edible exports. In 2004-05, 32 per cent of edible products were exported to Japan ($380 million) and 30 per cent were exported to Hong Kong ($359 million). This consisted of mainly tuna products to Japan and rock lobster and abalone to Hong Kong.
Although the export market remains strong, one of the greatest issues facing the seafood industry at present is the pressure of meeting market demand and the need to maintain a sustainable marine ecosystem. Both the industry and government are working together to address this issue.
As a result the future growth in seafood exports is likely to include value-adding activities that include improved packaging and product differentiation and the increased production of high-value species through methods such as aquaculture. An important component of Australian fisheries production, aquaculture now equates to 30 per cent of total production.
(Source: Australian Fisheries Statistics 2005, ABARE).
What are the key opportunities?
Globally, consumers are demanding quality, fresh, clean and nutritious food products. Australian seafood is renowned for its high quality and is more attractive because of Australia’s clean environmental image. Exporters are encouraged to leverage these aspects in their marketing.
Consumer interest, for example, has increased in seafood that is marketed for its healthy properties such as protein, iron, low cholesterol and Omega-3 oils. This is also true of seafood that highlights Australia’s pristine waters and environment.
Consumers in markets like Taiwan and Japan focus on a product’s freshness, which is reflected by the expanding market of live products. Demand for frozen ‘fresh’ products is also on the ‘up’.
Where are the key opportunities?
Markets which present continuing opportunities for the Australian seafood industry include:
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- USA
- China
- Taiwan
Opportunities are available in Europe for crustaceans such as lobster and prawns with possibilities to also develop niche markets for high quality fish.
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the seafood industry at the end of this overview.
How can we help you?
With a network of over 140 overseas locations in more than 60 countries backed by highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful contacts
Government contacts
Australian Fisheries Management Authority – www.afma.gov.au
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service – www.aqis.gov.au
Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry – www.daff.gov.au
General industry contacts
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation – www.frdc.com.au
National Aquaculture Portal – www.australian-aquacultureportal.com
Seafood Services Australia – www.seafoodservices.com.au
Last updated: 12 Jul 2007
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